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Topic: 07.15.2127 - Auvyndyr Trial (Read 4779 times)

Shannon suddenly felt very small. She had no clue was was happening or what would happen. All she knew was that she was scared. She didn't know who to trust or who was on what side. It seemed that things were all moving so fast and she just didn't have the opportunity to absorb it.

Digging for her resolve and trying to keep a strong veneer, Shannon said, "What's your question?"

She shuddered at the thought of any more questions but Nate seemed very serious about asking it. It must be an important question for him to survey the halls. Admittedly, Shannon was ripe with curiosity.

“Well Miss Shannon,” he said, back to his normal volume, although his baritone voice wasn’t bouncing off the walls of the narrow cell, it most likely could be heard again by anyone nearby. Shannon now understood that Nate thought they were being listened too, perhaps by guards just down the hall, or in a nearby cell.

“I think they threw you into this cell with me because they have no evidence against me. They are looking for a justifiable reason to keep me here. Should I…hurt you, they could keep me here on those charges,” he said.

Shannon tried to make herself even smaller on the bed. Nate must have noted her fear in the darkness and responded, “No worry little one. I am not a prisoner who would find pleasure in the affectio….hurting of a small child.”

Maintaining his casual tone he continued. “No, I am on to their plans. They will most likely frame me anyway though, and because of that, I am worried for what they might do to you in order to make my alleged crime real[/i].”

He stopped and thought for a moment then said. “Listen Shannon,“ he said seriously, and held up a hand to indicate to her that this was the question. “Your mother was obviously a practitioner of white magic,” he stated matter-of-factly and although Shannon didn’t even make a move or an attempt to argue he said loudly, “no, no, no my little one, don’t deny it. It’s true. The priests and guards in the infirmary wouldn’t attack them otherwise. Now, I need to know one thing, I need to know the truth if I am going to be able to help you out of this situation,” he said with a dramatic pause as he listened to the silent corridor outside for a tick.

“ I need to know if she taught anything about this art to you. Did she teach you how to perform the white magic?” he asked and stared at her in the darkness.

“Thank you Miss Auvryndyr, that is all I needed to hear,” said Nate confidently, something in his voice had changed.

“GUARD!” he yelled out, making Shannon jump. She heard the guard approaching from down the corridor and suddenly felt extremely unsure, her enjoyment of the moment vanishing as quickly as it had come.

The guard who arrived held a lantern, when Shannon’s eyes accustomed to the bright flame she saw that the guard wore a masterful suit of black plate mail with platinum edging, a pair of metallic wings open and above each forearm. The guard’s full plate helm was just as ornate and not only completely concealed his identity, but made his entire visage very scary.

To Shannon’s utter amazement the guard inserted a key into the gate and let Nate walk through as if he was a free man.

“What are your orders sir?” the guard asked Nate[/i]. Shannon’s heart dropped and enraged at the same time…she had been tricked!

“Miss Auvryndyr is not guilty of the charge, escort her to the orphanage in the morning,” Nate ordered the guard. Nate then turned to her, as she sat in shock on the cot.

“I am JUDGE Nathaniel Criss of the Elite Guard. My apologies to have deceived you Miss, but your innocence needed to be confirmed before your parents trial,” he said to her.

Shannon's heart felt as if it stopped pumping. She was confused before but that paled in comparison to now. Events, thoughts, and emotions were flying about her and she truly did not know how to feel. Overwhelmed by the volume and magnitude of the situation, she began to cry.

Was the judge part of the resistance? Did he have underlying motivations? Why would he tell her the answer to the question he asked so she would avoid punishment if he was a judge? Did she in any way get her parents into further trouble?

Above all questions in her mind she meekly asked the one that burned the brightest, “Will I ever see my parents again?”

(OOC: I just noticed that your last question was out loud when I reread the post, so I think we could have a few more words between the Judge and Shannon before I move you into the orphanage)

“Listen to me Shannon,” the Judge said gently as he bent his knee and crouched down. He was now eye level with her, although there was still a few feet between her on the far end of the cot and he at the gate.

“What your parents did, no matter how benign it may have seemed, was wrong,” he stated, confusing her even more.

‘Whose side was this guy on?!’ Shannon thought.

“Magic such that your mother used, whether to save one man, your father, or a thousand men, is outlawed in our kingdom. Do you know why Shannon?” he asked, his voice still melodic in its kindness.

Shannon thought for a moment. She tried to think of why it would be wrong and couldn't. Her mother wasn't a bad person...in fact, she only tried to help people. If by helping people with magic was considered wrong then there was obviously something terribly twisted about the laws.

In a weak voice Shannon replied, "No sir, I don't. How could helping people be wrong?"

Without a change in attitude or outcry at the girl's insolence, the Judge replied in the same kind voice.

"As Scripture and your lessons in school teach us young one, sorcery of any kind subverts governments. It eventually turns the person using it into a selfish and evil being. Instead of helping a person it ends up hurting far more people in the long run. The Human Empire that predates the history of Safe-Haven is our biggest example of this," he said still kneeling.

"You saw that yesterday in the Infirmary. Yes, your father was healed by the white magic, but in the end, three priest and a soldier were serious injured because of it. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"

Shannon began to understand what the judge was saying. She saw the logic of his rationalization. She was quite impressed with his blind stupidity.

"Judge sir, My mother doesn't know white magic." Shannon tried to hold back her anger and resentment but she no longer had anything to lose. With profound resolve and with aan even tone she said, "Excuse me for saying so, but from what I've seen, it's the government that turns the people who use it into selfish and evil beings...but they're not locked up. And eventually, they'll hurt more people in the long run...people like my parents."

Shannon couldn't wait to see the judges reaction to her insult. She was only ten years old, what could he possibly do to her? She wasn't sure she wanted to know.

The guard turned his head towards Shannon after her remark, then back to the Judge. The Judge for his part, didn't look phased but his next words seemed strained.

"That's your mother opinion. Someday it will be my distinct pleasure to meet you Shannon, after you have had time to grow up and formulate your own," he said and stood up. Shannon's inner voice told her that one more word from her would be dangerous.

Judge Criss turned to the guard and gave new orders. "Change of plan. She is to be brought to guest quarters within the church at once. Let her stay in a far more comfortable room this night before escorting her to the orphanage tomorrow." The guard merely nodded.

He turned back to her. "You have had your whole life to learn how wrong the government is, ten years in fact. I beg of you to give me ten hands of time to at least show you how right it can sometimes[/i] be."

He did not wait for an answer, but gave her a nod and walked away.

The other guard opened the gate the rest of the way and stepped back, motioning his arm towards the way the Judge had gone while looking at her in the cell through the slit in his horned full helm.

Shannon looked at the guard. she wondered the lengths he would go to to save his wife and children if he had any. Would he do the same as her father? Did this guard know her father? Maybe at one time he had served with him defending from the Kar'Thul.

Shannon decided it didn't matter what the guard would do. It wouldn't change what has happened. Stepping on to the stone floor, Shannon walked to the dull, steel bar door and looked up to the guard and smiled. She turned out of the cell and began to walk down the sparsely lit hall.

Shannon replayed the judges words, 'I beg of you to give me ten hands...to show you how right it can sometimes be.' The words were futile. All Shannon could feel was how wrong the government was now and would be unless it changed. She wished she had the power to change it.

The guard silently took the young girl through a myriad of underground corridors and up granite stairwells. They finally emerged to what Shannon assumed was the first level of the church, as they had left the blank granite cut walls behind and now walked along corridors of lavish artistry.

Marble was everywhere and not a bit of it left untouched by a sculptor or painters hand. A dark red carpet ran the length of all corridors, embroidered within it was a myriad of patterns, most of which depicted battles with black demons. High in the stone and wood ceilings above, triangular-crisscrossing marble trusses with mosaic paintings of angels looked down upon them.

Gold was everywhere, from the simplest of lanterns, to the sculptures in alcoves between columns, to the chandeliers high overhead, nothing was made of simple steel. Even the arched double-door the guard lead her too was banded with it. And none too soon did they reach it for Shannon thought she would drop from exhaustion after the six flights of stairs the guard made her go up since leaving the dungeon.

Beyond the pair of arched doors was a small corridor, the guard with his hand that hadn't left her shoulder since the dungeon cell, lead her to a door that was on the right wall. He pulled a key that was resting in its lock and opened it for her, silently prompting her to walk into the room beyond.

Shannon, not wanting to challenge any more officers that day, decided to heed her silent captor and walk through the door. The guard followed her and she turned, wondering with a bit of trepidation what he was about. But he simply lit a lantern on a table nearby and unceremoniously left the room.

As Shannon turned to look upon her new quarters, she heard the click of a lock in the door behind her. She then heard the guard walk away and out the adjoining corridor, taking her room key, and therefore her freedom, with him.

The same luxuries they had passed throughout the church were not spared in her new quarters. A canopy bed large enough to sleep her and both of her parents had posts holding up drapes of white silk. The mattress almost looked too tall for her to get up on. Dozens of gold satin covered pillows were neatly arranged on the made bed. Underneath them was the white satin bedding with gold embroidery which appeared to match the curtains which billowed from a light breeze entering the adjacent windows. Shannon could see the brilliant stars in the night sky beyond.

The thought of her mother and father sleeping with her in such luxury brought a pang of sorrow to Shannon's heart. She bravely tried to suppress it while she got her bearings.

'First, I have to find a way out of this mess, then I can try to help them,' she thought.

Throughout the room was more furniture than one person could need. Two bureau’s made of ancient Outland Pine and inlaid with gold and platinum stood at opposite sides of the room, each with drawers large enough that Shannon thought she could hide in one. A massive writing desk (of the same expensive pine) was on the wall between two of the open windows. On the desk, writing materials and various instruments including art supplies that made Shannon's heart skip a beat.

The entire eastern wall was a large outward curve, which made Shannon think of the times she had seen the church from outside the Temple District. The church was a tower like structure with what appeared to be three columns on each side of the square building. Each column was as wide as the Spire itself that two portions of the building wrapped lovingly around. She now understood that this massive bedroom was on the outside wall of one of those 'columns'.

(OOC: This is hard to explain, I will show any interested the actual map someday.)

To her left, Shannon spied an alcove made of polished black and white marble, a shower stall with a lavatory, sink and vanity beyond it. To the left of this alcove was a dark fireplace tucked in the corner, it appeared to be made of white brick.

At her right, beyond an alcove, and set within the back wall was an empty walk-in closet. A dressing bureau with some combs, brushes and what appeared to be a make-up kit stood bye.

Throughout the room and along the walls were paintings, tapestries, sculptures and other such finery that made Shannon's heart sing despite her situation. She quickly calmed it and berated herself. The floor was a simply gray carpet, but it look plush and Shannon wondered what it would feel like between her toes. She berated herself again.

With the exception of the flapping curtains in the breeze and the slight hiss of the lantern beside her, the room was very quiet. The shadows at walls edge paid her no heed.

Shannon admired the artistry of her surroundings. Her situation didn't negate the simple fact that the craftsmanship and skill that went into the work was extraordinary.

She eyed the bed. It had an inviting look about it with it's gold, satin, and tedious lace. She walked over and stood a running distance from the heel of the mattress. With reckless abandon she ran...and jumped! Bouncing on the feather soft landing she actually smiled. Though she wasn't happy she was glad she didn't have to sleep in a prison cell, not like her...parents.

Shannon's smile quickly faded and turned into a frown. Her throat became tight and her eyes ground shut trying to hold back the powerful tears. They failed.

She hastily grabbed one of the pillows and gripped it close hoping that it would return her hug. Burying her face into the satin she let her emotions drown her for a time.

When there were no more tears and her chest hurt, she decided that it would be a good time to draw. She sat down at the desk and gently removed the pencils and pens from the case. The pens were made of ivory and were garnished with gold etchings along the side and a fluffy white feather on the end. The pencils, like the furniture, were made of Outland Pine, extremely rare for such simple objects, and had a marrow of hardened charcoal. The paper made available to her had exquisite and finely detailed margins that framed whatever was to be written on it. Shannon could clearly see that the tools she held in her hand would cost a small fortune for the average citizen of Safe-Haven. Then again, she wasn't in an average place.

Shannon thought of one of her happiest moments and began to sketch the beginnings of her piece. She thought of a picnic that she went on with her folks. It was in the park under a tree. Playful clouds were tumbling across the sky and the birds were in opera. Nearby fountains were gurgling and the fresh scent of flowers tinted the air. She would forever hold that day close to her and immortalize it in ink. She hoped she would be able to give that picture to one of her parents.

After a few hours, her work was done. Tired beyond reproach, Shannon rested her head down on the desk and fell into an uneasy slumber.

Shannon ran as hard as she could down the dark corridor, the beast so close behind her that she could feel it's fowl, hot breath on her neck as it closed in for the kill. With a scream she lost her footing and suddenly realized why...she was falling. The floor had opened beneath her.

She screamed as she fell forever down a shaft blacker than night, her voice echoing off the walls of stone. And she somehow knew...she somehow knew that she was falling towards a floor covered with jagged iron spikes.

'But how could I know that?' her logic asked, piercing the horror of the fall. And with the question her answer came to her simultaneously...she was dreaming. And if she was dreaming, she could control what happened next...she could save herself!

An angel materialized beside her. He descended the shaft with her, although while she spun in circles, he was completely upright, his wings folded and allowing him to fall alongside her at the same rate.

The angel was gorgeous, a man of long gold hair and silver skin with a powerful physique, and Shannon wondered if she had seen him in a painting in the Church. But with this thought, the image of the church corridors in her mind reminded her of the nightmare waiting for her in reality.

And that reality included her parents on trial because of her failure to help them.

"Let me fall," she told the Angel. "Let my die on the spikes, I don't want to go back there."

Just before the pair reached the spikes the angel wrapped his arms around her form and quickly stopped their descent. They hovered a moment, just above what was to be her death, and then started to levitate back up the shaft. She cried at the defeat, her heart had wanted all of the pain to end on a spike.

His wings folded around her, and part of her wondered how he could continue to ascend without his wings, but she continued to cry. His embrace however, washed away her sadness, for it was warm, strong and loving. After a few more turns she couldn't cry any longer and raised her head from the crook of his neck to look about her, for the glow of light had made it through her eyelids. She squinted as she opened them against the full daylight.

She was above the clouds! What an incredible and vivid dream! Clouds floated below their feet as the angel, it's wings now open, soared high in the sky while she remained safe in his powerful embrace. The sun shone down on them adding to her warmth.

Looking around at the magnificence of the sky below she saw a wondrous craft to her right, a ship that was also flying above the clouds. Instead of sails, it had a ring of fire around it's mid-section, this seemed to be propelling the ship through the sky.

In an instant she was flying to a balcony at the rear of the ship and flown through an arched doorway inside it. The angel quickly slowed his flight and turned his body in mid-air so as to be holding her like a baby in a mother's arms. As he continued to hover, he gently laid her down in a large bed covered with white satins sheets and gold pillows.

Somehow, despite the adventure, her eyes became instantly heavy with sleep at the touch of the soft bed.

"Be at peace my child, for you do have a guardian angel," he said to her as he stroked the hair from her face. The soothing beauty of his voice summoned more tears from her eyes, but before they could escape, Shannon closed them and fell into ignorant bliss.

* * *

Shannon woke up in the bedroom's canopy bed. The feel of the bed's satin enveloping her in warm bliss. The dream's images much less vivid now, but the warmth and love from them still very much with her. She smiled as she began to stretch.

Then consciousness and all the reality came back to her yet again, slapping her harder than if someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over her.

She quickly sat up and looked around. The desk she knew she had fallen asleep against had been re-organized and cleaned. Her artwork put respectfully onto the room's dining table. Her clothes had been folded and put an adjacent chair. Upon seeing them her eyes went wide in shock and embarassment, for as she looked down at the satin pajama's she now wore in the bed, she wondered how she had gotten them on.

The room and the Church was quiet. The closed curtains blocking the sunlight from the open windows slowing endulating from the summer breeze.